Spurs facing defensive crisis

Tottenham’s defensive injury crisis deepened today after it was revealed that club captain Ledley King will miss the rest of the season.

Speaking to Sky Sports News earlier today Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said that the England centre-back needs another operation on the groin problem which has kept him out of action since October.

The news of King’s continuing injury problems couldn’t have come at a worse time for Redknapp with William Gallas, Jonathan Woodgate and Younes Kaboul all doubtful for next Tuesday’s trip to the Bernabeu to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Spurs are now left with just two fit central defenders for the club’s biggest ever European tie: England international Michael Dawson and former Newcastle United defender Sebastien Bassong.

‘We started the year with six central defenders here. Now we have two,’ Redknapp told Sky Sports News today. ‘We have lost Ledley King, it looks like he will have to have an operation that will finish his season.’

‘Jonathan Woodgate was making good progress but got a calf injury in a friendly against Barnet and Younes Kaboul is still out with a thigh strain. William Gallas has been for a scan on his knee today. He struggled at the weekend and we are now down to having just Michael Dawson and Sebastien Bassong.’